NBA All-Time Rank No. 6: Larry Bird

Ranking the top 50 players in NBA history…

6. Larry Bird

Bird had zero weaknesses as a player, and he has a strong argument for being even higher on this list.

“Larry Legend” was selected No. 6 overall by the Boston Celtics in 1978 out of Indiana State. He stayed in college for his senior year after being drafted and led the Sycamores all the way to the 1979 NCAA title game, where they fell to Magic Johnson and Michigan State.

The Bird-Magic rivalry would go on to be the most decorated and famous player rivalry in the history of the NBA (it still is to this day), completely saving the NBA and powering the league to newfound heights of popularity in the 1980s. What’s more, Bird and Magic had a deep respect for one another that transcended basketball and has lasted well beyond their playing careers.

Bird, the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1980, went on to have a magnificent career, even if it was hampered by injuries later on. He played 13 seasons (1979-1992), averaging 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game.

A 12-time All-Star, Bird won three championships (1981, 1984, 1986), earning two Finals MVPs (1984, 1986). He secured three straight NBA MVPs (1984-1986), a feat matched only by Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell before him.

Leading the league in three-pointers four times, Bird was not only an elite shooter but an all-around basketball master. His instincts as a passer and as a defensive disruptor — despite his athletic limitations — were second to none.

Bird finished his career with 10 All-NBA First Team selections and three All-Defensive honors. He also had two 50-40-90 shooting seasons. Bird’s blue-collar work ethic and legacy as a small town hero from French Lick, Indiana, continues to grow.

But who ranks ahead of Bird at No. 5 all-time?